Help about to give up!!

This is a discussion on Help about to give up!! within the Beginner Freshwater Aquarium forums, part of the Freshwater Fish and Aquariums category; -->
As I believe this will also help the OP, I'll ask here.
So it was mentioned that once the tank is settled it would ...

So it was mentioned that once the tank is settled it would be better to buy only what is needed to condition the water. I know many recommend prime, but I would like to know what else is recommend especially along the only treat what is necessary factors.

I have good tap water with basically chlorine in it. I think the plants would remove everything else, so I'm interested is only the basics, but curious what others use.

Welcome new fishie pal. :) Don't feel bad, a lot of fishkeeping is learning from your mistakes. Nutrafin makes a good product called "Cycle" which can help when setting up your tank. The best way is to get a fish friend with a compatible filter (someone you trust, mind you!) to give you an old filter to run in your tank for a week or two, as well as several handfuls of gravel from that tank.
It's a more natural way to establish the cycle in your tank without using "cycle fish" those poor zebra danios...
Another thing you may want to consider, is buying your tetras in groups. Most tetras prefer to be in groups of 6 or more. In fact, thet can get very stressed out if they aren't kept in groups of their own kind, when fish get stressed, they get sick easier.
If you see you fish becoming stressed (esp with the frequent water changes) add a pinch of aquarium salt, this will help them build up the protective coat on their scales, and ward off certain diseases.
There is a lot involved with fishkeeping, but it is a very rewarding hobby. Don't worry, everyone has been in your shoes wondering what you did wrong.
Please feel free to PM me with any specific questions you may have on establishing the tank, there are several ways to do it without killing fish, or pulling your hair out.

So it was mentioned that once the tank is settled it would be better to buy only what is needed to condition the water. I know many recommend prime, but I would like to know what else is recommend especially along the only treat what is necessary factors.

I have good tap water with basically chlorine in it. I think the plants would remove everything else, so I'm interested is only the basics, but curious what others use.

I too only have chlorine to worry about. I did try one conditioner that only detoxifies chlorine/chloramine, made by Big Al's, and it was fine except it left the tank cloudy for a day, sometimes into the second day. Every water change, every tank (I have 7). I've gone back to my former which also detoxifies heavy metals, something I'd rather not have it do, but it is inexpensive and I've managed with this for decades.

But I personally do not see any point in using a conditioner that messes with ammonia, nitrite and nitrate in planted tanks. The plants will handle these better, unless there is a major issue like in the source water, and dumping more chemicals into the tank is not my idea of the best practice. I know others take the opposite view, and that's fine.

My view in any substance going into the tank, be it conditioner, fertilizer, bacteria supplements, medications... only when absolutely needed, period.

My 2cents. I use API Stress Coat plus. removes chlorine and heavy metals. I agree with those who say the less chems you add the better. I bought a few bunches of Anacharis at the local garden supply, in the outdoor pond area. Caution, if you do this, pick off all the snails before you put them in your tan, unless you want snails.

Hi Macrocosm and welcome to the forum. You've already received some good advice here so you should be well on your way to a healthy and beautiful tank. The hard part is almost over.

As for plants, the chain stores sometimes tend to sell plants that are not true aquatics. I learned that the hard way and now buy everything on line. e-bay and Aquabid are great resources for live plants but there are many other places as well.

When you can post a few pics of the plants, start a thread in the plant sub-forum so that we can help identify for you.

The Anubias have a rhizome, the thick "stem" from which the leaves and fine roots grow; this rhizome should not be buried in the substrate as it may rot. Attach it to rock or wood, either naturally in crevices or with black cotton thread. The roots will in time attach the plant securely to the rock/wood. We have the most common species in our profile, click the name Anubias barteri. Hornwort and Ludwigia are also included.

Just as an update. I added two more Hornwort... Also got a KH and GH test

So the numbers are...
NH4 .25
NO3 0
NO2 .5
pH 7.6
GH 60
KH 40

That is with the most recent 50% wate change using distilled water.

That is quite soft, 60 ppm is about 3.3 dGH. What brand of kit is it? I'm assuming it is measuring in ppm (parts per million), 60 can't possibly be in degrees (dGH).

You are mixing distilled and tap water? I would mix a bit more tap in. Aim for about 5 or 6 dGH. This is good for plants, and not too high for soft water fish. You cannot keep livebearers in this soft water, just so you know.

You could test the tap water to see what the GH is. Whatever it is, the distilled water will dilute it according to the proportion. So if the tap is say 20 dGH, mixing the water half tap and half distilled should result in water that is 10 dGH. Just a guide.